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The former US president’s most recent ultimatum to introduce an extra complete levy on Chinese goods has been described as a “typical example” of US double standards, according to the Chinese government.

A Commerce Ministry spokesperson also stated that Beijing could enact its own unspecified “responsive actions” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

On Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at China’s decision to reinforce its regulations for foreign shipments of critical elements, charging the Chinese leadership of “turning aggressive” and attempting to hold the global community “under its control”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a arranged summit with China’s President President Xi, which was expected to take place during a summit in Seoul in the coming weeks.

Trump’s comments on Friday rattled global markets, with the S&P 500 closing down 2.7%, marking its largest decline since last spring.

The president’s words revived concerns of a commercial dispute between the United States and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to eliminate triple-digit tariffs on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of commerce ceasing between the two countries.

This left, US tariffs on products from China facing an additional thirty percent tariff compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the country are subject to a import levy.

The most recent comments from China – issued by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of formal replies to media inquiries – reflected language from the peak of the ongoing trade dispute.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while justifying Beijing’s export controls on key elements as “standard procedures” to protect national security and that of the global community.

The official stated that for “a long time”, the America had “overstretched the concept of state security, misused overseas sale restrictions and “adopted discriminatory practices against Beijing.

“Using” tariff threats is not the correct approach to interact with the Chinese government,” the official commented.

“Beijing’s stance” on a trade conflict has consistently been steady: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, the Chinese government revealed it was reinforcing overseas sale regulations on key elements and other materials critical for high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about the vast majority of the planet’s critical minerals, which are utilized in products such as photovoltaic modules and smartphones.

Latest statements from the US and China are being viewed by some as a strategy of strengthening positions in preparation for future trade talks.

Is not yet known whether a talks between Donald Trump and China’s leader, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will still proceed.